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Vietnamese keto guide

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Vietnamese food
178 dishes56 keto as served128 with a photo

Keto friendliness

Vietnamese cuisine offers naturally keto-friendly components but requires careful navigation and modifications to avoid ubiquitous carb-heavy staples.

Top ingredients

Excellent traditional keto ingredients include various grilled or stewed meats (pork, beef, chicken), seafood, eggs, abundant fresh herbs (basil, mint, cilantro), leafy greens, bean sprouts, and healthy fats from oils or fatty cuts of meat.

Danger zones

Beware of all forms of rice (steamed, broken, sticky), rice noodles (pho, bun), vermicelli, banh mi, sweetened dipping sauces (nuoc cham), sugar in marinades, and fried spring rolls made with rice paper or wrappers.

Best for

This cuisine works best for adaptable keto dieters who enjoy high protein, fresh herbs, and are comfortable with requesting modifications or making careful menu selections.

What to drink

Drinks you will see at Vietnamese restaurants, cafés and stalls, rated the same way as the food.

Order these

Skip these

178 dishes · page 1 of 3

Cá Kèo Nướng Muối Ớt
Grilled Mudskippers with Salt and Chili
Whole mudskippers (a type of small, flavorful fish) grilled with a simple yet potent rub of salt and chili. Th…
Order as-isHigh Protein
2 net2 total0 fibre60 protein25 fat500 kcal
Gà Hấp Gừng
Steamed Chicken with Ginger (Whole or Half Bird)
A whole or half chicken, simply steamed with abundant fresh ginger and sometimes scallions, yielding tender, j…
Order as-isHigh Protein
2 net3 total1 fibre70 protein40 fat650 kcal
Ghẹ Hấp
Steamed Blue Crab
Fresh blue crab simply steamed to perfection, highlighting its natural sweetness. Typically served with a salt…
Order as-isHigh Protein
2 net2 total0 fibre45 protein20 fat400 kcal
Mực Nướng Mọi
Plain Grilled Whole Squid
Whole squid, lightly seasoned and grilled until tender with a slightly charred exterior. "Nướng Mọi" signifies…
Order as-isHigh Protein
2 net2 total0 fibre60 protein10 fat350 kcal
Bò Luộc
Boiled Beef
Simple, clean boiled beef (usually flank or brisket) served thinly sliced, often with a side of ginger fish sa…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
3 net3 total0 fibre50 protein25 fat450 kcal
Cá Diêu Hồng Chiên Giòn
Crispy Fried Tilapia (Whole Fish)
A whole Tilapia, lightly seasoned and deep-fried until the skin is golden and crispy, and the flesh is tender …
Order as-isHigh Fat
3 net3 total0 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
Gà Luộc
Boiled Chicken (Keto, No Sweet Dipping Sauce)
Whole or half chicken, typically boiled or steamed until tender, served with its skin on. The meat is succulen…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
3 net3 total0 fibre80 protein45 fat750 kcal
Nem Chua
Fermented Pork Sausage
A popular Vietnamese snack, Nem Chua is a distinctively tangy and savory fermented pork sausage, often made wi…
Order as-isHigh Protein
3 net4 total1 fibre25 protein20 fat300 kcal
Ốc Hương Nướng Mọi
Grilled Whelk with Salt and Chili
Large, succulent whelks (sea snails) grilled simply with a sprinkle of salt and chili. This preparation highli…
Order as-isHigh Protein
3 net3 total0 fibre45 protein15 fat350 kcal
Thịt Ba Rọi Luộc Chấm Mắm Tôm
Boiled Pork Belly with Fermented Shrimp Paste and Herbs (No Carby Sides)
Slices of perfectly boiled pork belly, served with a pungent and savory fermented shrimp paste (mắm tôm) and a…
Ask for a tweakHigh Fat
3 net5 total2 fibre50 protein65 fat800 kcal
Thịt Ba Rọi Rang Cháy Cạnh
Crispy Pan-fried Pork Belly
Slices of pork belly pan-fried until the edges are crispy and golden, seasoned simply for a rich, savory, and …
Order as-isHigh Fat
3 net3 total0 fibre50 protein85 fat1000 kcal
Thịt Bò Nướng Vỉ
Grilled Beef Skewers (No Rice Paper/Vermicelli)
Tender slices of beef, marinated and skewered, then grilled to perfection. Served with fresh lettuce and vario…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
3 net4 total1 fibre55 protein35 fat550 kcal
Tôm Rang Muối
Salt-Roasted Shrimp
Whole shrimp (shell-on, head-on preferred for flavor) stir-fried or pan-roasted with a savory, peppery salt mi…
Order as-isHigh Protein
3 net4 total1 fibre65 protein35 fat600 kcal
Bò Nướng Mỡ Chài
Grilled Beef Patties in Caul Fat
Fragrant and succulent ground beef patties, seasoned with lemongrass, garlic, and spices, then wrapped in a de…
Order as-isHigh Fat
4 net7 total3 fibre50 protein55 fat700 kcal
Cá Hấp Xì Dầu
Steamed Fish with Soy Sauce (Keto, No Sugary Sauce)
Whole steamed fish (e.g., tilapia, snapper) bathed in a light soy sauce dressing, garnished with fresh ginger,…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
4 net5 total1 fibre70 protein30 fat600 kcal
Cá Nướng Da Giòn
Crispy Skinned Grilled Whole Fish (No Rice Paper/Vermicelli)
A whole fish (e.g., Tilapia, Snakehead), marinated lightly and grilled until the skin is crispy and the flesh …
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein35 fat600 kcal
Cá Nướng Sả
Grilled Fish with Lemongrass (No Rice Paper/Vermicelli)
A whole fish (e.g., Tilapia, Catfish) marinated with aromatic lemongrass and spices, then grilled until tender…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
4 net5 total1 fibre58 protein33 fat580 kcal
Cải Thìa Xào Tỏi
Bok Choy Stir-fry with Garlic
A simple yet delicious side dish featuring fresh bok choy stir-fried quickly with fragrant garlic in oil. It's…
Order as-isLow Carb Side
4 net8 total4 fibre5 protein20 fat250 kcal
Cải Xanh Xào Tỏi
Stir-fried Mustard Greens with Garlic
Fresh mustard greens quickly stir-fried with fragrant garlic until tender-crisp. A simple and healthy vegetabl…
Order as-isLow Carb Side
4 net8 total4 fibre4 protein23 fat250 kcal
Canh Cua Rau Đay Mồng Tơi
Crab and Jute Leaf Soup
A light, refreshing, and naturally low-carb soup featuring fresh crab meat and a vibrant mix of jute leaves an…
Order as-isLow Carb Side
4 net8 total4 fibre25 protein15 fat300 kcal
Mắm Chưng
Steamed Minced Pork and Egg Cake (with Salted Fish)
A savory, dense, and rich steamed dish consisting of minced pork, salted fish, and eggs, often layered with an…
Order as-isHigh Protein
4 net4 total0 fibre40 protein35 fat500 kcal
Mực Hấp Gừng
Steamed Squid with Ginger
Simple and clean, fresh squid lightly steamed with plenty of ginger, green onions, and sometimes a hint of whi…
Order as-isHigh Protein
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein15 fat400 kcal
Mực Hấp Hành Gừng
Steamed Squid with Ginger and Green Onion
Tender squid steamed with fragrant ginger slices and chopped green onions. A very clean and naturally keto pre…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
4 net5 total1 fibre45 protein20 fat400 kcal
Ngao Hấp Sả
Steamed Clams with Lemongrass
Fresh clams steamed in a flavorful broth with abundant lemongrass, garlic, and a touch of fish sauce. This lig…
Order as-isHigh Protein
4 net5 total1 fibre45 protein20 fat450 kcal
Ốc Mỡ Xào Tỏi
Stir-fried Sea Snails with Garlic
Sea snails (e.g., babylon snails) stir-fried in their shells with plenty of garlic, butter, and sometimes a to…
Order as-isBalanced Protein/Fat
4 net5 total1 fibre35 protein38 fat480 kcal
Tôm Hấp Nước Dừa
Shrimp Steamed in Coconut Water
Succulent shrimp delicately steamed in fresh coconut water, imparting a subtle sweetness and enhanced flavor. …
Order as-isHigh Protein
4 net5 total1 fibre50 protein20 fat450 kcal
Trứng Chiên Thịt Băm
Vietnamese Omelette with Minced Pork
A hearty Vietnamese-style omelette made with eggs and savory minced pork, often seasoned with fish sauce and p…
Order as-isHigh Fat
4 net5 total1 fibre35 protein45 fat550 kcal
Trứng Hấp Thịt Băm
Steamed Egg Custard with Minced Pork
A savory, delicate steamed egg custard (similar to a firm chawanmushi) mixed with minced pork and sometimes mu…
Ask for a tweakBalanced Protein/Fat
4 net5 total1 fibre30 protein35 fat450 kcal
Vịt Quay
Roasted Duck (Keto, No Sweet Sauce)
Crispy-skinned roasted duck, often seasoned with five-spice powder. The duck is slow-roasted, resulting in ten…
Ask for a tweakHigh Fat
4 net5 total1 fibre70 protein70 fat900 kcal
Bông Hẹ Xào Gan
Garlic Chives Stir-fried with Liver
A savory and nutrient-dense stir-fry combining tender slices of pork or beef liver with aromatic garlic chives…
Order as-isHigh Protein
5 net8 total3 fibre40 protein25 fat450 kcal
Cá Lóc Nướng Trui
Grilled Snakehead Fish (with Keto Herbs & Dipping Sauce)
A whole snakehead fish, grilled over open flame until smoky and tender, often served with a variety of fresh h…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
5 net8 total3 fibre70 protein45 fat700 kcal
Canh Cải Ngọt Nấu Thịt Băm
Sweet Mustard Green Soup with Minced Pork
A light and clear soup featuring sweet mustard greens and minced pork in a savory broth, often seasoned with f…
Order as-isBalanced Protein/Fat
5 net8 total3 fibre30 protein20 fat350 kcal
Canh Rau Ngót Thịt Băm
Sweet Leaf Soup with Ground Pork (Keto)
A light and refreshing clear soup featuring sweet leaf (rau ngót) vegetables and savory ground pork in a seaso…
Order as-isBalanced Protein/Fat
5 net7 total2 fibre35 protein25 fat400 kcal
Gà Hấp Nước Mắm Gừng
Steamed Chicken with Ginger Fish Sauce
Whole or half chicken steamed to tender perfection, then served with a savory, piquant dipping sauce made prim…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
5 net6 total1 fibre70 protein48 fat750 kcal
Ngao Xào Bơ Tỏi
Stir-fried Clams with Butter and Garlic
Fresh clams stir-fried with generous amounts of butter and garlic, creating a rich and savory sauce.…
Order as-isHigh Fat
5 net6 total1 fibre28 protein35 fat450 kcal
Rau Muống Xào Tỏi
Stir-fried Water Spinach with Garlic
Fresh water spinach quickly stir-fried with an abundance of fragrant garlic, seasoned lightly with fish sauce …
Order as-isLow Carb Side
5 net10 total5 fibre5 protein28 fat300 kcal
Trứng Chiên Hến
Clam Omelette
A savory omelette made with beaten eggs and fresh clams, often seasoned with fish sauce, pepper, and spring on…
Order as-isBalanced Protein/Fat
5 net5 total0 fibre35 protein30 fat450 kcal
Bầu Xào Trứng
Bottle Gourd Stir-fried with Egg
A simple, comforting stir-fry featuring tender bottle gourd (a type of squash) quickly cooked with scrambled e…
Order as-isLow Carb Side
6 net9 total3 fibre20 protein30 fat400 kcal
Bò Lá Lốt (Keto Grilled Beef in Wild Betel Leaves - No Vermicelli/Rice Paper)
Grilled Beef in Wild Betel Leaves (Keto, No Vermicelli/Rice Paper)
Savory ground beef seasoned with spices, wrapped in fragrant wild betel leaves, and then grilled. The leaves i…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
6 net8 total2 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
Bò Tơ Nướng Tảng
Grilled Young Beef Steak with Keto Sides (No Rice/Potatoes)
Thick-cut young beef steak (bò tơ), grilled to perfection, usually served with a side of fresh herbs and a dip…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
6 net8 total2 fibre60 protein35 fat600 kcal
Bò Xào Dưa Leo
Stir-fried Beef with Cucumber
Sliced beef stir-fried quickly with fresh cucumber, garlic, and onions. A light and refreshing stir-fry.…
Ask for a tweakBalanced Protein/Fat
6 net8 total2 fibre40 protein35 fat500 kcal
Bông Thiên Lý Xào Thịt Bò
Stir-fried Cowslip Creeper Flower with Beef
Tender slices of beef stir-fried with delicate and fragrant cowslip creeper flowers and garlic. A simple and n…
Ask for a tweakBalanced Protein/Fat
6 net9 total3 fibre45 protein40 fat580 kcal
Cá Hấp Gừng Hành
Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions (served without rice)
A delicately steamed whole fish, infused with the vibrant aromas of fresh ginger and crisp scallions, drizzled…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
6 net7 total1 fibre70 protein40 fat650 kcal
Cá Thu Kho Tiêu
Braised Mackerel with Black Pepper
Thick cuts of mackerel braised in a savory, peppery sauce. Traditionally has a hint of sweetness, which needs …
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
6 net8 total2 fibre40 protein40 fat550 kcal
Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt
Bitter Melon Soup with Stuffed Pork
Whole bitter melons generously stuffed with seasoned ground pork, simmered in a light, savory, and clear broth…
Order as-isBalanced Protein/Fat
6 net10 total4 fibre40 protein35 fat500 kcal
Canh Măng Vịt
Duck and Bamboo Shoot Soup
A deeply flavorful and hearty soup featuring tender pieces of duck and earthy rehydrated bamboo shoots, all si…
Order as-isHigh Protein
6 net10 total4 fibre50 protein45 fat600 kcal
Cua Rang Muối
Salt-Roasted Crab
Fresh crab (often Dungeness or blue crab) stir-fried or roasted with a savory, spicy, and garlicky salt mixtur…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
6 net7 total1 fibre65 protein45 fat680 kcal
Gà Hấp Cải Xanh
Steamed Chicken with Mustard Greens
A wholesome and comforting dish featuring tender, succulent steamed chicken (often dark meat or a whole chicke…
Order as-isBalanced Protein/Fat
6 net10 total4 fibre50 protein30 fat480 kcal
Gà Rim Nước Mắm
Braised Chicken in Fish Sauce
Pieces of chicken (often thighs or wings) slowly braised in a rich, savory, and slightly peppery sauce made pr…
Ask for a tweakBalanced Protein/Fat
6 net8 total2 fibre45 protein45 fat620 kcal
Hàu Nướng Mỡ Hành
Grilled Oysters with Scallion Oil
Fresh oysters grilled on the half-shell, topped with a generous amount of fragrant scallion oil, roasted peanu…
Order as-isHigh Fat
6 net8 total2 fibre30 protein45 fat550 kcal
Hến Xúc (Không Bánh Đa)
Baby Clams Stir-fry (Lettuce Wraps, No Crackers)
Tiny baby clams stir-fried with fragrant herbs, garlic, and sometimes a touch of chili. Traditionally served w…
Ask for a tweakBalanced Protein/Fat
6 net8 total2 fibre40 protein30 fat450 kcal
Keto Chả Trứng Hấp (Không Miến)
Keto Steamed Egg Meatloaf (Vermicelli Omitted)
A savory steamed meatloaf made from minced pork, eggs, wood ear mushrooms, and fragrant seasonings. Traditiona…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
6 net8 total2 fibre40 protein38 fat520 kcal
Khổ Qua Xào Trứng
Stir-fried Bitter Melon with Egg
Sautéed bitter melon slices stir-fried with scrambled eggs, seasoned lightly. A common and naturally low-carb …
Order as-isBalanced Protein/Fat
6 net10 total4 fibre15 protein32 fat380 kcal
Lòng Gà Xào Mướp
Stir-fried Chicken Giblets with Loofah Gourd
A savory stir-fry of chicken gizzards and livers with tender slices of loofah gourd (mướp hương), garlic, and …
Order as-isHigh Protein
6 net8 total2 fibre40 protein30 fat480 kcal
Măng Tây Xào Tỏi
Asparagus Stir-fried with Garlic
Fresh asparagus spears quickly stir-fried with fragrant garlic, a light seasoning of fish sauce, and often a t…
Order as-isLow Carb Side
6 net10 total4 fibre5 protein20 fat250 kcal
Sườn Non Rim Mặn
Braised Pork Ribs, Savory Style
Pork spare ribs slowly braised in a deeply savory, peppery, and salty sauce until tender. Distinct from grille…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
6 net8 total2 fibre50 protein45 fat620 kcal
Súp Bắp Cải Thịt Băm
Cabbage Soup with Minced Pork
A comforting and hearty soup with tender minced pork and shredded cabbage in a savory clear broth, often flavo…
Order as-isHigh Protein
6 net9 total3 fibre35 protein25 fat400 kcal
Súp Măng Cua (Keto Crab Asparagus Soup)
Keto Crab and Asparagus Soup (Thickener-Free)
A light and savory soup featuring delicate crab meat, fresh asparagus, and often quail eggs, traditionally thi…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
6 net8 total2 fibre30 protein20 fat350 kcal
Thịt Heo Xào Sả Ớt
Stir-fried Pork with Lemongrass and Chili
Sliced pork stir-fried with fragrant lemongrass, chili, and garlic for a spicy and aromatic dish.…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
6 net9 total3 fibre45 protein42 fat580 kcal
Tôm Nướng Muối Ớt
Grilled Salt and Chili Prawns
Large prawns or shrimp marinated simply with salt, chili flakes, garlic, and often a touch of sugar, then gril…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
6 net8 total2 fibre50 protein35 fat550 kcal

Questions people ask

What can I eat at a Vietnamese restaurant on keto?

Good orders that are keto as served include Cá Kèo Nướng Muối Ớt (2g net carbs), Gà Hấp Gừng (2g net carbs), Ghẹ Hấp (2g net carbs), Mực Nướng Mọi (2g net carbs), Cá Diêu Hồng Chiên Giòn (3g net carbs) and Nem Chua (3g net carbs). Of the 178 Vietnamese dishes in this guide, 56 are keto as served.

Is Vietnamese food keto-friendly?

Keto Atlas rates Vietnamese food "Navigable" for keto. Vietnamese cuisine offers naturally keto-friendly components but requires careful navigation and modifications to avoid ubiquitous carb-heavy staples.

What Vietnamese dishes should I avoid on keto?

Beware of all forms of rice (steamed, broken, sticky), rice noodles (pho, bun), vermicelli, banh mi, sweetened dipping sauces (nuoc cham), sugar in marinades, and fried spring rolls made with rice paper or wrappers. Dishes to skip include Thịt Kho Tàu (29g), Cá Kho Tộ (23g), Gỏi Cuốn (17g) and Trứng Cút Lộn Xào Me (17g).

How do I order Vietnamese food keto-style?

Many dishes become keto with one small request. For Bò Luộc: ensure dipping sauce is made without sugar. For Gà Luộc: crucially request no sugary dipping sauce. Ask for plain fish sauce with lime and chili, or just salt and pepper with lime. Ensure no accompanying rice.

What can I drink at a Vietnamese restaurant on keto?

Keto-friendly as served: Free Iced Tea. Fine with a small request (usually no sugar or syrup): Iced Black Coffee, Pennywort Juice, Fresh Lime Juice or Soda and Avocado Smoothie. Skip sugary drinks such as Soy Milk, Herbal Cooling Drink and Lime Tea.